Category: POSA

Complete Application AP Page 1 Application Cover Page AP Page 2-6 Instructions AP Page 7-8 Business Status AP Page 9 Additional Facilities AP Page 10 Letter of Credit Information AP Page 11-12 Letter of Credit Sample AP Page 13 Insurance AP Page 14 Fire Marshal Approval AP Page 15 Zoning Officer Approval AP Page 16-17 Disclosure of Criminal Record AP Page 18 Revocation History AP Page 19 Campus Roster AP Page 20-22 School Director Form AP Page 23-25 Campus Director Form AP Page 26-27 Instructor Form AP Page 28 Waiver of Instructor AP Page 29-30 Recruiter Form AP Page 31 Program – Course List AP Page 32 Program – Course Information AP Page 33 Library Form AP Page 34 Student Records

AP Page 35-36 Enrollment Agreement AP Page 37-38 Catalog AP Page 39 Diploma AP Page 40 Complaints AP Page 41 Fees AP Page 42 Advertising AP Page 43 Non-Discrimination Clause AP Page 44 Affidavit of School Closure AP Page 45-46 Designation of Agent of Service FIN Page 1 Instructions – Checklist FIN Page 2 Detailed Instructions FIN Page 3-4 Balance Sheet FIN Page 5 Schedule of Assets FIN Page 6 Schedule of Liabilities FIN Page 7 Income Statement FIN Page 8 Schedule of Income FIN Page 9 Schedule of Expenses FIN Page 10 Cash Flows FIN Page 11-12 Schedule of Changes and Adjustments FIN Page 13 Affirmation of Statement of Position

Composite Scoring System for Financial Review

The U.S. Department of Education in collaboration with KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP (Dec. 1997) has developed a composite scoring system for schools seeking participation in Title IV student assistance programs. This scoring system consists of three ratios that assess five elements of financial health; viability, profitability, liquidity ability to borrow and capital resources. Each private occupational school must meet the passing financial ratio score as required by 34 CFR 668 (subject to amendments).

• The Primary Reserve Ratio evaluates viability and liquidity.
• The Equity Ratio assesses ability to borrow and capital resources.
• The Net Income Ratio measures profitability.

A weighted average is calculated based on these three ratios to determine the score, for each school.

Documentation needed for submitting statements

Every year it is required to submit a copy of the schools audited and reviewed annual financial statements to the Executive Director of the Office of Higher Education. Schools must maintain records that follow generally accepted accounting principles. The schools management prepares a financial statement that outlines the schools financial situation. This statement is then.

Audited by a licensed certified public accountant or licensed public accountant following the standards set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The school must file a copy of this statement with the Executive Director by the last day of the fourth month after the end of its fiscal year except for nationally accredited schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In cases these schools have until the last day of the sixth month following their fiscal year end to submit their financial statements. However only audited financial statements are accepted from accredited schools. Non accredited schools may request an extension for filing their statements for up to sixty days if they provide reason, for needing one. No extensions are granted to accredited schools.

Documents Required for Submission;

• You will need to provide the balance sheet, income statement, statement of change in equity or fund balance, statement of cash flows and any footnotes or notes to the statements.
• Additionally a cover letter should be prepared by a licensed certified accountant or licensed public accountant. This letter should state the scope of the review or audit any opinions given and the standards and principles followed.

Fee Structure

For schools the application fee is $2,000 while for new branches it is $200. Additionally there is a fee of $200 per school and per branch. When it comes to renewing authorization the fee remains the same at $200 per school and per branch. However if there is a change of location no fee will be charged.

Regarding payments into the Student Protection Account you will need to contribute 0.004% of your quarterly tuition revenue on a quarterly basis.

If there is a change of ownership an application fee of $2,000 will apply along with a $200 fee for each branch. Lastly there is an out of state school representative fee amounting, to $500.

Everyone understands that this is a difficult time for all students, and everyone is grateful for your patience while student records are collected and filed and transfer opportunities are facilitated.

Update as of March 18th 2016;

For those students who’re interested in transferring;

Kindly complete a Request for Student Transcripts and Records form. Once we receive this form the Office of Higher Education will fill out a Verification of Hours Form on your behalf. Send it directly to the school you plan on transferring to.

For those students who require proof of completed hours;

Please complete a Request for Student Transcripts and Records form. If your file includes a Transcript or Student Progress Report, the Office of Higher Education will provide you with a Verification of Hours Form either directly or through your chosen school or the Department of Public Health.

For those students pursuing a hairdresser or barber license;

If you have finished your training and need documentation confirming your completed hours please be aware that the Office of Higher Education will supply the Department of Public Health with an Affidavit of Hours and/or Verification Form based on what information’s available, in your file. If you are interested in obtaining this documentation please fill out a Request for Student Transcripts and Records form.

For all students;

• Please carefully consider all your options as some decisions cannot be undone. For example if you decide to transfer to another school and not all of your credits are accepted, but you still choose to transfer you will be responsible for any loans that you took while studying at Marinello. You will also be responsible for any loans that you take when transferring to complete your education at the new school.
• Make sure that the school where you plan to transfer assesses your knowledge and skills.
• Before enrolling make sure that you are aware of how many credits will be accepted how more credits you need to complete and all associated costs.
• If transferring is not the option for you there is another possibility. Discharging the loans that you took while studying at Marinello and starting fresh at a new school.

Update; February 11th, 2016

• The Office of Higher Education has obtained student records. Including transcripts and affidavits of hours. From the recently closed Connecticut Marinello Schools of Beauty. If students do not receive these materials directly from Marinello they may contact our agency for copies at [email protected] or, by calling 800 842 0229.
• The Office of Higher Education has organized a workshop for students on Wednesday, February 24th from 10;00 am to 4;00 pm at 61 Woodland Street in Hartford. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Education and local cosmetology schools will be available to provide assistance regarding loan discharges, tuition refunds, transcript requests and transfer options.
• If you obtained a high school diploma from the Parkridge Private School through Marinellos process it’s important to note that your diploma is not considered valid. Unfortunately this means that transferring to schools or receiving additional federal aid is not possible for students with such diplomas. We strongly recommend that Parkridge students complete their GED through an Adult Education Program. They may also explore options for discharging their loans or seeking tuition refunds for non federal aid payments.
• For information on how to discharge loans or transfer to other schools students can visit the U.S Department of Educations website. Additionally students may be eligible for a refund of any portion of their tuition not covered by aid. To request such a refund please email [email protected].
• If you haven’t already done so we kindly request all students to register their up, to date information here.

Students who have graduated from Parkridge Private School with a high school diploma earned through Marinellos administration should be aware that their diploma is not recognized as valid.

The Office of Higher Education is seeking individuals to act as curriculum specialists during visits to postsecondary occupational schools in the state. These curriculum specialists will assess the curriculum and instructional sites of these schools based on their expertise, in subject areas. This position is not a time or part time role but rather an ad hoc opportunity. If you possess a high school diploma and have least two years of experience in any of the following fields please apply for consideration through this link; https;//veoci.com/v/p/184154/workflow/c6ydhxr6xfe4

If you meet the requirements set by the State the Office of Higher Education will get in touch with you for an interview to assess your suitability as a curriculum specialist. They will also provide you with details about the position. Once approved you will be included in a list of accredited specialists. Whenever a school in your field requires a curriculum review they will reach out to you to schedule a date and time for all parties involved.

As a state employee specialist you will be entitled to receive a stipend of $100.00 per visit from the State. Additionally any travel expenses incurred by the specialist during visits, to schools will be covered by the school being visited.

The role of curriculum specialists is to evaluate occupational schools curriculum and instructional sites within their area of expertise. It’s important to note that this is not a time or part time position but rather an ad hoc one.

•  Massage Therapy
• Medical Assistant
• Administrative Office Professional
• Software Engineer
• Jewelry and Watch Repair
• Automotive Technician
• Real Estate Staging
•  Integrative Manual Therapy 
• Esthetics
• Phlebotomy
• Bartending
• Modeling
• Manufacturing
• CNC Machining
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Dental Assisting
• Medical Billing and Coding
• TV and Radio Broadcasting
• Graphic Design
• Tax Services
• Nail Technician
• Makeup Artistry
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)

The Office of Higher Education will send the school a renewal application package 180 days before the schools recent certificate of authorization expires. The renewal application package will consist of an application form well as copies of the Connecticut General Statutes, Regulations of State Agencies and financial requirements.

The school must submit an application to the Office of Higher Education along with the necessary renewal fees. The fee is $200 for each school and $200 for each branch. This should be done 120 days prior to the expiration date of the schools recent certificate of authorization. The Office of Higher Education will Verify that all conditions specified in the recent authorization are met by the hospital based school.

As per Sec. 10a 22k 4 of the Regulations of State Agencies an evaluation visit will be conducted by the Office of Higher Education. Please refer to Sec. 10a 22k 5 for details on evaluation criteria used during this visit.

After completing their visit the chairperson leading the evaluation team will prepare a report based on their findings and recommendations, for improvement. The report will be submitted to the Executive Director at the Office of Higher Education once evidence is provided to address any identified issues or concerns.

Update; Information Regarding IRS Form 1098 T

As you are already aware both Butler Business School in Bridgeport and Sawyer Schools, in Hamden and Hartford ceased operations abruptly on December 30th, 2012. We have received inquiries from former students of both schools who are concerned about receiving IRS form 1098 T for their 2012 tax filings. This form is used to report student tuition and educational expenses which can be utilized in conjunction with the IRS “American Opportunity Credit.”

An IRS representative has informed us that our office is unable to generate these forms due to regulations imposed by the IRS. Therefore you will not receive a 1098 T for the calendar year 2012. However we have been instructed by the IRS to inform you about two options when filing your federal income tax return for 2012.

Firstly it is recommended that you file a paper tax return for 2012 and include evidence of all tuition payments you made out of pocket in 2012 towards your school account. For instance if you paid by check include copies of canceled checks as proof of payment. If you paid in cash include copies of receipts provided by the school as proof of payment. Additionally it is crucial to enclose a copy of this notice along with your tax form as it serves as documentation, from our office confirming the closure of your school.

Additionally if you choose to file your federal tax return and apply for the “American Opportunity Credit ” your claim may be rejected by the IRS. This is because they might not have received the 1098 T information related to your educational expenses. Consequently you will need to follow up with the IRS and provide them with copies of payment documents as mentioned in the previous example in order for your tax filing to be processed properly.

Given the complexity of tax filing and tax laws it is highly recommended that you seek advice from a tax expert or directly contact the IRS regarding this situation. You can reach out to the IRS helpline at 1 800 829 1040 or visit www.irs.gov/uac/Contact My Local Office in Connecticut for more assistance. Another option is contacting 2-1-1 to inquire about aid available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for filing your returns.

Update as of February 7th, 2013 – Due to a storm the Information Session scheduled for Friday February 8th at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport has been canceled for students of Butler Business and Sawyer School. Stay updated by checking your email or referring back, to this webpage alternatively you can also call 800/842 0229.
Update; Announcement Regarding the Information Session in Bridgeport for Butler Business School Students

Attention all former students of Butler Business and Sawyer School who were planning to attend the session at Housatonic Community College on Friday February 8th. Due to the storm we strongly advise you to attend tomorrows Information Session (February 7th) at Gateway Community College in New Haven specifically Room N100. To ensure an experience please remember to park in the Temple Street Garage and bring your parking ticket with you for validation.

Please be aware that there is a possibility of cancellation for the Friday session at Housatonic Community College due to the storm. This decision may be made in consideration of safety precautions for both attendees and representatives, from agencies and schools. We encourage you to check your emails and visit www.ctohe.org for any further updates.

Update; Important Information Session in Bridgeport on March 8th

The Office of Higher Education will be hosting an Information Session for former students of Butler/Sawyer School. This session is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 8th from 10;00 a.m. To 2;00 p.m. At Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport. We have reserved the Events Center Beacon Hall 214 for this purpose. Kindly note that no parking pass will be required on the event day as the garage attendants are already informed about this gathering.

This session is specifically designed to assist all students affected by the closures of these schools especially those who were enrolled in the former Butler Business School located in Bridgeport. Due to inclement weather conditions a scheduled session on February 8th was unfortunately canceled.

Please remember to bring a photo ID and proceed directly to the Security Station upon arrival. Our dedicated staff from the Office of Higher Education will be present at the venue to warmly welcome you assist with check in procedures and guide you towards resources.

Update as of January 30th, 2013 – Important Information Session Locations

We have finalized the details for the Information Sessions catering to students of Butler/Sawyer School. These sessions are scheduled to take place from 10;00 am to 5;00 pm at the following venues;

• On Monday February 4th we will be at 61 Woodland Street Room B39 in Hartford. Kindly park your vehicle at the back of the building.
• On Thursday February 7th our session will be held at Gateway Community College in New Haven. We have designated Room N100 for this purpose. When you park your car in the Temple Street Garage please remember to bring your parking ticket with you for validation.
• Lastly on Friday February 8th we will gather at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport. The Events Center Beacon Hall 214 has been reserved for us. it’s important to note that you won’t require a parking pass on the day of the event as the garage attendants will already be informed.

Remember to carry a photo ID and check in with security upon arrival at each venue. To get directions and additional parking details specific to each location mentioned above please click on the provided links. Our team from the Office of Higher Education will be present, throughout these sessions to warmly welcome you all and assist with any queries or concerns you may have.

Update as of January 11 2013

• Former students of Butler/Sawyer School can request a copy of their student transcript by completing a form and sending a signed copy to the Transcript Release Officer at the Office of Higher Education located at 61 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105 2326. You have the option to fill out this form online print it out sign it and then send it via mail to the Office of Higher Education. Please note that faxed or emailed copies cannot be accepted as an original signature is required.
• The Office of Higher Education is responsible for maintaining all student records. It’s important to know that the license and accreditation for both Butler Business School and Sawyers School have been revoked. Consequently no individual or organization has the authority to reopen these schools. Both former students and employees of Butler/Sawyer should be cautious if anyone claims otherwise.
• The Office of Higher Education has collaborated with schools willing to assist former Butler/Sawyer students in continuing their studies. These schools have received copies of the Butler/Sawyer School curricula. In order for these schools to enroll students from Butler/Sawyer they must compare their curricula with that of Butler/Sawyer School make any necessary adjustments and obtain proper approvals, from federal authorities and accrediting bodies.
• We kindly request all schools to complete the comparison of their curricula by January 18 2013 so that we can organize information and transfer sessions for students from Butler/Sawyer School in Hartford, Bridgeport and Hamden. Students should stay updated by checking their email and visiting www.ctohe.org.

Former students of Butler/Sawyer School should carefully consider the following options and financial implications as they contemplate continuing their studies;

1. Completion Program – Students have the option to finish their studies and externships through arrangements made by schools willing to assist former Butler/Sawyer School students. In this scenario students will still be responsible for repaying any loans acquired during their time at Butler/Sawyer Schools.
2. Transfer – Students can choose to transfer the credits earned from coursework to another school after a thorough review of their transcript. If they select this option they will need to reapply for aid at the new school they are enrolling in. Additional loans or financial aid may be necessary for transfer students to complete their studies.
3. Fresh Start – Students who possess an amount of federal loans but decide not to pursue completion or transfer options may be eligible for loan forgiveness due, to the sudden closure of these schools. Students who recently enrolled at Butler and Sawyer Schools and have federal loans to repay may want to seriously consider this option.

Additional information regarding these options, financial aid and other updates will be provided through student emails. Can also be found on www.ctohe.org as soon as it becomes available. Plans for student information sessions in Bridgeport, Hartford and Hamden are currently underway. These sessions will be scheduled once the schools and the Office of Higher Education have complete and accurate information to share with students.

Update; January 4th, 2013

Connecticut students affected by the closure of Butler Business and Sawyer Schools have choices to make as they plan their educational paths going forward. Students are strongly advised to read all the following information.

• The Office of Higher Education is collaborating with officials from Butler and Sawyer Schools to ensure that all student records are secured. According to Connecticut General Statutes, the Office of Higher Education is legally responsible, for safeguarding records. While we cannot provide a date at this time for when transcript copies will be available we assure you that we are making every effort to expedite the availability of these records.To find out when transcripts will be available please regularly check this website. Keep an eye on emails sent by the Office of Higher Education to students who have registered on our website.
• Schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the Bridgeport, Hamden and Hartford regions are collaborating with the Office of Higher Education to make arrangements for Sawyer and Butler Business School students affected by the closures. This is referred to as a “teach out” option. More details about participating schools and programs will be provided on this webpage and through emails sent by the Office of Higher Education to registered students.
• According to law students impacted by school closures may qualify for loan forgiveness on their federal loans. This option is only available for students who choose not to participate in the aforementioned “teach out” arrangement. For information on this choice please visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/repay loans/forgiveness cancellation#closed school. You can find the up to date discharge application here.
• Students affected by these school closures who did not participate in student aid programs but took out personal loans to finance their studies may be eligible for tuition reimbursement, from the Connecticut Student Protection Fund.
• We will provide information about this option as soon as possible on our website and through emails sent by the Office of Higher Education to students who have registered.
• If you are a veteran or a dependent of a veteran affected by the school closures please reach out to the VA helpline at 1 888 GIBILL 1. Use the “Ask a Question” feature on the www.GIBILL.va.gov website. It is important to ensure that your enrollment for GI Bill benefits has been properly terminated with an effective date of December 30 2012. If you wish to join a program at another facility please contact the School Certifying Official (SCO). Complete VA Form 22 1995 Request For Change of Program or Place of Training. Submit this form to the VA Regional Processing Office in Buffalo, NY. If you need SCO contact information for facilities approved by the Connecticut State Approving Agency please call 860 947 1816.
• Please visit this webpage. Check your emails regularly for updates. You only need to register your contact information, with the Office of Higher Education. To register kindly visit this link.

Update; Announcement Regarding Information Sessions

Please mark your calendars for three upcoming information sessions organized by the Office of Higher Education. These sessions are specifically designed to assist students who have been affected by the closures of Butler/Sawyer Schools.

The dates and locations for these sessions are as follows;

Monday, February 4th at 61 Woodland Street Hartford
Thursday, February 7th at Gateway Community College, New Haven
Friday February 8th at Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport

During these sessions you will have the opportunity to interact with state and federal education officials representatives from transfer schools and other career institutions. They will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding the following topics;

• Completion of externships
• Obtaining medical assisting certification
• GED information
• Transfer options and alternative training programs
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Loan forgiveness and financial aid
• Student transcripts

The tentative hours for these sessions are from 10;00 am, to 6;00 pm. Please keep an eye on your email. Visit www.ctohe.org next week for specific details regarding exact session times and room locations. It is important that you bring a photo ID with you. If applicable please also remember to bring your PIN number.

In order for a postsecondary career school (referred to as “school”) to receive a certificate of operation from the Executive Director of the Office of Higher Education as per section 10a 22c(d) of Connecticuts General Statutes the school must fulfill certain requirements. One such requirement is the submission of a letter of credit to the Executive Director. This letter should have an amount of $40,000 and guarantee that the school will make necessary payments to the private occupational school student protection account according to section 10a 22u.

If the school fails to make these payments or if there is a need for state reimbursement due to a tuition refund paid out under section 10a 22v then this letter of credit will be payable to the occupational school student protection account. However it’s important to note that the payment from this letter of credit cannot exceed what is owed to the account.

After 12 years from the date of approval and subject, to verification of fiscal soundness this required letter of credit will be released.

Financial Forecast

Prospective financial statements will provide an entitys projected position, operational outcomes and changes in financial standing to the best of the responsible partys knowledge and belief. A financial forecast is established based on assumptions made by the party taking into account expected conditions and planned actions. The forecast may be expressed as monetary values or a single estimate of projected results or even as a range where key assumptions are used to establish a reasonable expectation for anticipated items within that range. The forecast covers expectations for the 12 months of operation.

The preparation of the forecast is entrusted to management and it is subject to review, by a certified public accountant (CPA) or licensed public accountant. It complies with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Utilizes accrual basis accounting.
Please submit the following items for review or audit;

• Footnotes or notes accompanying the statements.
• A statement of cash flows.
• A cover letter prepared by a licensed certified accountant or licensed public accountant, which should include information, about the scope of the review or audit any opinions and the standards and principles followed.
• A balance sheet.
• An income statement.
• A statement of changes in equity or fund balance.

Administrative Capability

Each school that is authorized well as each branch of the school located in Connecticut must have a director positioned at the school or branch. This director will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the school or branch.

Updates on Transfer Opportunities for Ridley Lowell Students

To stay informed kindly complete and return the provided information sheet to us.

Options to Students;

• Transfer; You have the option to transfer your previously earned coursework to another school pending their review of your transcript. If you choose this option you will need to reapply for aid at the new school you are enrolling in. It’s important to note that you will still be responsible for your loans and may need additional loans or aid to complete your studies. If you’re considering transferring to another school please visit https://www.ohe.ct.gov/HEWeb/POSAList.asp for a list of approved schools in Connecticut.
• Discharge/Forgiveness of Loans; Students who have amounts of federal loans and do not opt for a transfer may be eligible for loan discharge due to the sudden closure of Ridley Lowell. If you recently enrolled at Ridley Lowell and are responsible, for repaying federal loans it is advisable to seriously consider this option. According to law students affected by school closures may qualify for the discharge of their federal loans. This option is only available if you decide not to participate in any “Transfer” arrangement.

To find out more about this option you can visit the website; https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/closed school.

Regarding transcripts the Connecticut Office of Higher Education is currently in the process of obtaining Ridley Lowells student records. Once they have been received students will be able to obtain a copy of their transcript by following these steps;

1.. Print the Request Form available at www.ohe.ct.gov/POSA/pdfs/RequestForStudentTranscripts.pdf.
2. Fill out the form.
3. Sign the form.
4. Mail your signed copy to the Transcript Release Officer at this address; Office of Higher Education 450 Columbus Blvd. Suite 707 Hartford, CT 06103 1841.

Please note that faxed or emailed copies cannot be accepted as an original signature is required.

If you are a veteran and wish to request a restoration of VA benefits please follow these steps;

1. Review the application thoroughly.
2. Sign the application as instructed on the form.
3. Submit your completed signed application to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) according to their guidelines.
4. Keep copies of all forms submitted to the VA for your records.
5. For information regarding your request you can contact the U.S DVA at 888 442 4551. Visit their website; https://benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/FGIBSummaries.asp.

Make sure to follow up with them for any information or updates, on your request.

Are you a student from Connecticut who faced burdens in paying for your tuition? If you paid for part or all of your tuition out of pocket or took out loans (excluding federal loans) to fund your education at these schools there might be an opportunity for you to receive reimbursement through the Connecticut Private Occupational School Student Protection Fund. If you are interested, in applying please reach out to [email protected].

To open your school you must submit an application to the Office of Higher Education at least 120 days before your intended opening date (as stated in Section 10a 22k 3 of the Regulations of State Agencies).

As part of your application you need to include a statement/forecast (refer to the financial requirements for details). Additionally you are required to provide a $40,000 Irrevocable Letter of Credit from a bank located within Connecticut. This letter will be held for 12 years from the date of approval.

To complete the application process you must also include a refundable $2,000 Application Fee along with your proposed schools application. The Office of Higher Education will carefully review your submitted application. May request additional information if necessary.

Following this review an evaluation visit will be conducted by representatives from the Office of Higher Education. This visit is conducted in accordance with Section 10a 22k 4 of the Regulations of State Agencies and based on criteria outlined in Section 10a 22k 5.

After the visit the chairperson of the evaluation team will prepare an evaluation report highlighting any areas that can be improved upon. Once evidence is provided showing corrections have been made based on these findings a recommendation, for authorization will be submitted to the Executive Director of the Office of Higher Education.

After receiving the approval a school must go through the process of renewing their authorization every year for three consecutive years as stated in Section 10a 22k 7 of the Regulations of State Agencies. Upon completing the fourth year of re authorization a school may be eligible for an extended renewal period of, up to five years.

To apply for approval please submit your application through our Veoci database by clicking on this link; New Private Occupation School Inquiry.